The 2015 fiscal year for the Grand Junction Area Chamber is half over and it is important for members to know how their investment of time and resources have been put to use over the past three months to help grow the local economy and be the voice of business. Here are selected highlights:
- Coordinated, through the efforts of the Energy and Economic Development Committee and Chamber, the development of marketing materials and targeted work actions that allowed a delegation of 17 regional representatives to attend the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary, AB early in June. Outcomes are still being measured but the group returned with at least 30 strong leads for business opportunities and locations that could lead to job growth in the future.
- Reached a collaborative agreement with the Mesa County Workforce Center and School District 51 that will allow the Chamber to expand the resources committed to helping students choose career paths and experience the local work environment to a fulltime position. The coordinator will also oversee the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and expand the Hire Me First program.
- Supported the passage of the Colorado Rural Jump Start bill by providing funding for lobbying efforts that will give distressed counties such asMesa additional incentives to attract companies and jobs. Chamber staff also lobbied directly to see this important legislation passed in the waning days of the legislative session.
- Offered members multiple networking opportunities through hosting three Business After Hours events, three Networking@Noon events, one Quarterly Membership Luncheon, two Energy Briefings and one Legislative Wrap-up Breakfast with overall attendance at all events estimated to exceed 1,000.
- Assisted ten young entrepreneurs launch their own businesses and graduate from the Chamber sponsored Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Recruitment of sponsors and students has begun for the next class slated to start in late September.
- Completed the 21st Mesa County Leadership Class with 20 graduates from business, non-profits and government and recruited applicants for the next class which will begin in September.
Global Petroleum Show 2015 Delegates
Governor Hickenlooper Signs Rural Jump Start Bill
Click here to download the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce July 2015 Newsletter.